Live from notDenver--stuff to keep the home fires burning

Carla Axtman

As I sit here and pout at the fact that I'm not in Denver toiling away with Alworth in what is apparently the worst seating chart in history, I thought I'd throw up an update of some of the goings-on here at home. I especially like keeping up with the local papers from around the state. I like to see what makes my fellow Oregonians tick.

So without further adieu, here's a quick rundown of some of our localness:

WWire is reporting that prominent GOP Portlander Julia Brim-Edwards has come over to the good side of the force.

Former Trailblazer Kevin Duckworth's death this week has sent a ripple through the state, with fans mourning the loss of the beloved big man--whose autopsy shows that he died from a pretty major bout with heart disease.

People who serve on the City Council in Harrisburg, Oregon get $15 per council meeting. That probably barely pays for the gas to get there and back...oy. Maybe they'd get a raise if Greg Walden and Gordon Smith had only come through on those county timber payments so that muncipalities didn't have to take up the slack...but I digress.

Oregon Senate Democrats want no part of a gas tax.

GOP Congressman Greg Walden asked a crowd of supporters in Baker City if "we really want to destroy our economy to save our planet?"

This Saturday at Washington Park is an event that's near and dear to my gastronomic loves: The Portland Pie-Off! Birthday pie so kicks birthday cake's ass!! T o keep this political, I even called the two candidates vying for the Portland City Council seat to check-in about their fav pie. Amanda Fritz? Pumpkin--homemade from the pumpkins in her garden, natch. And Charles Lewis? He digs apple and strawberry-rhubarb..hearkening back to his childhood days when the fam grew its fruit on the farm. Now you Portlanders can mark your ballots with an informed choice.

And finally, some tidbits from Merkleytown:

The editorial board of the East Oregonian newspaper says Merkley has a good shot at getting the votes of rural Oregonians--mostly because Merkley actually shows up and asks for their vote.

Jeff is getting good face-time on the local news stations.

Here's KATU last night:

and KOIN:

In related news, Gordon Smith's campaign has got to be burning through cash like crazy. They released 3 new ads this week--apparently in a fit over the 90 seconds Merkley gets on TV for his DNC speech. Jeez--no wonder the Capitol renovation in D.C. is over-budget and late. Smith doesn't give a rip about how he spends his own money, let alone ours.


  • Unrepentant Liberal (unverified)
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    Bumpersticker: "No Planet-No Economy"

    Kevin Duckworth will always have a soft spot in the hearts of Blazer fans like myself who were here during those exciting years of the Terry Porter/Jerome Kersey/Clyde Drexler/Buck Williams/Kevin Duckworth teams.

    Everyone was a Trailblazer fan then, not just basketball lovers.

    He was a sweet, big guy who loved this area, loved to fish and made his home here.

    My sympathies to his family.

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    Alas, if only the Blazers could have transplanted the competitiveness and fearlessness of Buck Williams into the body of Kevin Duckworth they'd have several more championship flags to hang in the Rose Garden.

  • Gregor (unverified)
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    GOP Congressman Greg Walden asked a crowd of supporters in Baker City if "we really want to destroy our economy to save our planet?"

    If we destroy the planet, all the money in the world won't buy us a healthy environment.

  • fbear (unverified)
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    Ah, the early-90s Blazers, before Paul Allen became a hate-radio monger, the players were good, and they had class.

    Carla, I totally agree with you about pie vs. cake. In fact, ANY occasion that is often celebrated with cake, pie KICKS ITS ASS!

    As for what kind, definitely NOT mince meat. I'd have to say, other than that, my favorite pie tends to be the kind I'm currently eating, but when presented with choices I tend to go with apple, blueberry, or cherry. Or some of each (one of the advantages of being a runner).

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    Those are both great interviews that Merkley gave the local media. I especially like the KATU interview. He handled the negative ads question superbly.

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    Well, Carla, I will say that despite the seats, it's cool to be in the building. Bad seats are better than no seats. And it's fun hanging with the Oregon delegation.

  • edison (unverified)
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    "GOP Congressman Greg Walden asked a crowd of supporters in Baker City if "we really want to destroy our economy to save our planet?"

    What a jerk.

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    You're killing me, Jeff.

    <h2>LOL</h2>

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